CPL 170.55 addresses adjournment in contemplation of dismissal. What is its effect on the defendant's record?

• A. It's a conviction
• B. It's an admission of guilt
• C. It's a dismissal with prejudice
• D. It's neither a conviction nor an admission of guilt

Answer: (D)

An adjournment in contemplation of dismissal is a temporary deferment that lets the court give the defendant a chance to satisfy certain conditions (like restitution or staying out of trouble) during a set period. The key effect on the defendant’s record is that this disposition is not a conviction and it does not involve an admission of guilt. If the defendant completes the required terms, the case is dismissed and there’s no conviction on the record. If the terms aren’t met, the case can be brought back and a conviction may result. So, the disposition itself does not equate to a conviction or an admission of guilt.